(Silver Spring, Md. ) Discovery Communications, the world's number one nonfiction media company, announced today the launch of two new apps in conjunction with the Sunday, July 31 premiere of Discovery Channel's SHARK WEEK. Shark Week Live and Ultimate Sharks offer users real-time and deep-dive experiences tied to the fascinating and mysterious world of sharks.

Shark Week Live

The Shark Week Live App is Discovery's first co-viewing application and offers engaging content that complements the 24th annual SHARK WEEK. The free app, available as an update within the Discovery Channel App for iPad and on iPhone and iPod touch, features behind-the-scenes information, incredible shark facts, quizzes and polls, and photos - including user-generated submissions from this year's SHARK WEEK Photo Frenzy. Viewers can also experience Shark Week Live from their computers at SharkWeek.com.

Shark Week Live content will be synched in real-time to Discovery Channel's primetime SHARK WEEK line-up beginning July 31 at 8pm ET/PT, delivering 17 hours of entertainment only available with live viewing. The app also features social media streams from Facebook and Twitter so that fans can follow what others are saying and join the conversation - all without leaving the app.

Ultimate Sharks

The Ultimate Sharks App is a completely new way to experience content that satisfies curiosity as only Discovery can, bringing users into the predatory world of sharks through an immersive multimedia experience. Designed specifically for the iPad and hosted by Discovery Channel's Mike Rowe, the app provides insight into the science of shark behavior - as well as true stories of shark attacks. Complete with one-of-a-kind stunning interactive graphics, maps and data, the app is an all-encompassing guide to sharks.

Multimedia features include:

10 Deadliest Sharks: Packed with robust content about the most fearsome and misunderstood shark species, including great white, hammerhead, tiger and other sharks

3D Interactive Sharks: Control sharks with your fingertips - make them swim, hunt and attack prey

Engaging Videos: More than three hours of custom videos produced from Discovery's legendary library

Airplay Integration: Share your favorite videos with friends and family on the big screen

Attack Stories: Unbelievable tales of human encounters with sharks

Deep-Dive Content: Over 75 screens of content, expertly written text and narrative, interactive maps and infographics

Breathtaking Photography: Over 250 high-resolution photos from some of the world's most celebrated wildlife photographers

The Ultimate Sharks App is available for download from the App Store on iPad for a special SHARK WEEK introductory price of $4.99.

SHARK WEEK is cable television's longest-running programming event and last year's summertime spectacular was watched by 30.8 million people, making it the most-watched SHARK WEEK on record. This year's fin-filled celebration will feature Chief Shark Officer (CSO) Andy Samberg and seven all-new specials. Fans can stay connected with SHARK WEEK year-round at facebook.com/sharkweek and by following @SharkWeek on Twitter.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 130-plus worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.